Political Science Learning Outcomes

Political Science at USD prepares the next generation of politicians to rise above. To learn the science of politics and then practice it.

Learning outcomes

1. Engagement in Politics: Be prepared for active citizenship and demonstrate an ongoing interest in national and global politics.
2. Political Efficacy and Active Citizenship: Demonstrate a sense of political agency and be able to identify the specific ways in which an individual can participate meaningfully in politics.
3. Critical Thinking and Writing Skills: The ability to think critically about political concepts and systems and to apply their knowledge of politics by using the major analytic and theoretical frameworks in several subfields of political science.
4. Analysis and Expression: Demonstrate the ability to construct and evaluate analytical arguments and write clear logical prose.
5. Substantive Knowledge: Demonstrate substantive knowledge of institutions, processes and values that shape politics within and among states, and the major theories, concepts, foundations and methodologies used in the study of politics.
6. Knowledge: Identify the structure and operations of the U.S. and other political systems, and to define and apply concepts and theories in political science.

For the most updated curriculum and course information, go to the catalog of record.